Saturday, July 13, 2013 5:07 pm

15th birthday party in NJ ends in gunfire; 1 dead

The Associated Press

A 15-year-old girl's birthday party in New Jersey ended in gunfire Friday night, leaving one teenager dead and four others hurt, authorities said.

It's not yet clear what prompted the shooting at the party in Hamilton Township or whether the shooter was a partygoer or an uninvited guest.

Mercer County First Assistant Prosecutor Angelo Onofri said 17-year-old Shakir Williams of Trenton was shot multiple times, apparently in the living room, and was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Authorities were still working to determine whether Williams was the shooter's intended target.

Onofri said a 17-year-old boy remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery for wounds to the torso, arms, leg and groin. Two other teens, ages 17 and 18, were shot in the leg, while a fourth victim was hit in the calf. They were treated at a hospital and released.

Authorities say dozens of people - mostly teens and young adults - attended the party, including an adult who was collecting admission at the door of the home.

No arrests have been announced. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing but declined to provide further details, including what type of weapon was used or a description of the assailant.